"Is there anything else, Miss Reed?" Her voice was deceptively smooth, laced with a sharp edge. "If not, I'd appreciate being left alone."

Sophia's jaw tightened. The humiliation burned, but she had no recourse. With a sharp, frustrated movement, she stood and strode away.

The murmurs started instantly.

"So that's Serena? Even more captivating in person."

"Sophia was just utterly demolished. She won't live that down."

As the whispers spread, a man with slicked-back hair and a smug smirk approached. He swirled a champagne glass in his hand.

"Hey, beautiful. All alone over here?" He moved closer, flashing a cocky grin. "Mind if I sit?"

Isabella barely glanced at him, her polite mask firmly in place.

"I'd prefer solitude. Thank you."

He ignored the clear dismissal.

"Waiting for someone?" he pressed, his tone dripping with unwanted persistence. "Maybe I can be that someone."

His hand drifted toward hers, his fingers hovering too close for comfort.

Isabella's expression turned icy. She withdrew her hand in one swift motion, her voice dropping to a frigid tone.

"Sir, I suggest you remember your manners."

His smirk vanished, irritation tightening his features. Just as he began to retort, a firm, calm voice cut through the tension.

"Isabella, apologies for the delay."

Lucas stepped forward with natural authority, positioning himself squarely between Isabella and the intruder. His sharp gaze assessed the man, silent yet commanding. The man's bravado crumbled under Lucas's intense stare.

"What a drag," he muttered, turning on his heel to disappear into the crowd.

Lucas exhaled softly before turning to Isabella.

"Are you alright?"

Isabella nodded, her composure unshaken.

"I'm fine. Thank you."

Lucas's gaze held hers.

"These gatherings always attract a few arrogant fools," he remarked, his voice calm though edged with quiet annoyance.

The surrounding guests began whispering again.

"Who is that man? He seems very familiar with Serena."

"Isn't that Lucas Grant, CEO of Grant Group? They look perfectly matched."

"A pair that complements each other in both talent and appearance!"

Ethan overheard the whispers, his expression darkening immediately. His grip tightened around his wine glass.

From a distance, he watched Isabella and Lucas, a storm of emotions swirling in his eyes.

Isabella and Lucas sat close, speaking in hushed tones.

"Thank you for your assistance earlier," Isabella said, expressing her gratitude once more.

Lucas responded with a faint smile. "It was nothing, truly. How have you been? And how's Liam?"

"We're both well. Thank you for asking," Isabella replied, her voice softening.